The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
A questioner asked concerning a torment about to befall 1 Upon the disbelievers, which none can repel, 2 from punishing them. He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways, 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit (Gabriel) ascend in a day, the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore do thou hold Patience,- a Patience of beautiful (contentment). 5 They see it [the Day of Judgement] to be far off, 6 but We see it to be very near. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the sky will become like molten brass, 8 and the mountains will become like dyed tufts of wool, 9 and no bosom friend will enquire about any of his bosom friends 10 They will be seeing them; the guilty will wish if only he could redeem himself from the punishment of that day, by offering his sons. 11 and his spouse and his brother, 12 And his kin that sheltered him. 13 And all those that are in the earth, (wishing) then (that) this might deliver him. 14 But nay! for lo! it is the fire of hell 15 Taking away (burning completely) the head skin! 16 It will claim all such as turn their backs [on what is right,] and turn away [from the truth,] 17 and amassed wealth and covetously hoarded it. 18 ۞ Indeed, man is born impatient: 19 If evil befalls him he is perturbed; 20 and tight-fisted when good fortune visits him, 21 Except the observers of prayer - 22 [and] who incessantly persevere in their prayer 23 those in whose wealth is a right known 24 for those that ask and those that are dispossessed, 25 And those who believe the Day of Judgement to be true. 26 and go in fear of the chastisement of their Lord 27 Verily the torment of their Lord is not a thing to feel secure from. 28 And those who guard their private parts, 29 except from their spouses and those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock], for which they incur no blame -- 30 But those who seek more than this will be transgressors; 31 And those who respect their trusts and covenants; 32 and those who are upright in their testimonies; 33 and who observe their prayers. 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35